We got in quite late last night, round 22:00. The train ride was OK, as good as any you'll get in England. There were some good excuses for the delays, one of them being sheep on the tracks. It made everyone laugh all the same. There were a few dusty and mattered Glastonbury types, but mostly the train was full of young hopefulls from Exeter University, bright futures twinkled in their eyes, their protection from the world proportionate to the width of their bell-bottoms. I wonder if harsh realities reveal themselves as pleats in my face or a dusted glaze in my eyes.

The comforting chug-and-rumble of train sent me off to sleep almost immediately. I had been out for a small route march across the moors with Chris, Isabelle, Tor and Gail . The walk took a couple of hours and was quite demanding in places. I was well worn out, a lethal combination of fresh air, exercise, good food and deep sleep left me feeling like a new person. My mind clear, body tired out, joints electric and sparking from the walking and my face slightly redenned by the sun - I was not even ready start contemplating work.

I was periodically catapulted into consciousness, only by some extra-sensory concern for the girl sitting opposite me. My head bobbing as I slipped under. You know when you see someone going, going, gone. Life slipping away, like a cosmic child fooling around, taking the batteries out and putting them back in, searching for the combination of the batteries that would restore memory function and life. Good thing I wasn't drooling, dribbling or involuntarily letting off gas, or maybe I was, she didn't exactly look pleased by the sight of me, head flailing from side to side, grunting and looking surprised and bewlidered every time I woke up. I managed to keep myself awake by reading most of the way.

Phil had been on a cleaning frenzy at home. Sofa covers had been washed, carpets vacuumed, surfaces dusted and there was food and beer in the fridge. It felt good to be home. A dinner of cold trout, mackerel and salmon with salad and baguette was washed down with Leffe blonde. A cheese plate rounded it off and prepared me for bed.

I had a look at the pictures I took in Devon. There are some nice ones that I'll post on the blog along with commentary. Gail and Alice will be coming up to London, which I am looking forward to, it'll be fun to take Alice around and show her a few things.

Chris and Isabelle were fanastic, as were Nina and Katie. They are such an interesting family. One can see the benifits of smart parenting and a good education. I look forward to going for another visit soon, I think I may have found a new getaway place. Tranquility amd quality of life preside over the vicarage in Hennock.